Lead frame assembly for installing into a tank valve or a tank end stopper, component group and system

Abstract

The invention relates to a lead frame assembly for installing into a bore of a component body of a tank valve of a hydrogen-operated vehicle, to a component group, and to a system, having: a first lead frame with a portion which is deformable in the longitudinal direction, said lead frame having a first end and a second end; a second lead frame with a portion which can be deformed in the longitudinal direction, said lead frame having a first end and a second end, the first ends of the lead frames being electrically connectable to an electric component and the second ends of the lead frames forming a clamping contact part of a clamping connection for electrically connecting to a clamping contact part mating piece of a connecting device of the component body; and a guide sleeve which is secured to the lead frames and electrically insulates same from one another. The guide sleeve is provided between the clamping contact part and the lead frame portions which can be deformed in the longitudinal direction, and the guide sleeve has a securing portion for securing the guide sleeve to the component body in such a way that the guide sleeve, when mounted in its installed position, projects sufficiently out of the bore so as to establish an electric connection between the clamping contact part and the clamping contact part mating piece of the connecting device.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Ladder frame assembly for installation in a tank valve or a tank end plug, a component group and a system

[0004] The present invention relates to a ladder frame assembly for installation in a bore of a component body of a tank valve or a tank end plug of a hydrogen-powered vehicle, a component group with a ladder frame assembly and a system comprising a ladder frame assembly and a component group.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] In hydrogen tank valves, for example, from OMB Salerie SPA, the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the customer connector. The temperature sensor, cable, and connector are manually inserted into the valve block, and the cable is pushed through the hole.

[0007] Due to the installation space constraints, the cable must be joined at a 90° angle. Using a wire or a joining aid, the cable end with the connector is literally fished out and pulled out at a 90° angle. To facilitate assembly with the joining aid, a small O-ring is mounted around the cable end, into which the joining aid can hook. Since the hole intersection is difficult to round, there is a risk of damage to the cable, which could later lead to loss of function or incorrect temperature predictions.

[0008] The document US 10 707 003 B2 discloses an electrical

[0009] Connection device for an electromagnetic valve with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a medium. The electrical connection device comprises an electrical contact plug. The electrical contact plug is part of a common housing, which additionally contains an actuating coil for the electromagnetic valve and a plug contact for establishing electrical contact with the temperature sensor when the housing is mounted on the electromagnetic valve.

[0010] There is great interest in an improved connection of temperature-sensitive terminal connections, such as those used in particular in tank valves, in order to connect the temperature sensor to an electrical connection device of the tank valve via conductor tracks using a terminal connection.

[0011] Disclosure of the invention

[0012] The present invention provides a leadframe assembly according to independent claim 1, a component group according to independent claim 10 and a system according to independent claim 14.

[0013] Accordingly, it is provided:

[0014] A lead frame assembly for installation in a bore of a component body of a tank valve or a tank end plug of a hydrogen-powered vehicle, comprising: a first lead frame having a longitudinally deformable portion, the lead frame having a first end and a second end; a second lead frame having a longitudinally deformable portion, the lead frame having a first end and a second end;wherein the two lead frames are electrically connectable with their first ends to an electrical component, in particular a temperature sensor, and form with their second end a clamping contact part of a clamping connection for electrical connection to a clamping contact part counterpart of a connection device of the component body, and a guide sleeve which is fastened to the lead frames and electrically insulates them from one another, wherein the guide sleeve is provided between the clamping contact part and the longitudinally deformable sections of the lead frames, in particular as close as possible to the clamping contact part, wherein the guide sleeve has a fastening section for fastening the guide sleeve to the component body such that the guide sleeve, in the assembled state in its final or installed position, protrudes sufficiently from the bore for an electrical connection of the clamping contact part to the clamping contact part counterpart of the connection device.

[0015] Furthermore, it is planned:

[0016] A component group which has such a lead frame, wherein the component group has a component sleeve and an electrical component received in the component sleeve, wherein the lead frame assembly is inserted into the component sleeve with the first ends of the two lead frames and in its installed or final position electrically contacts the electrical component therein and wherein the component sleeve has a component stop.

[0017] It is also planned:

[0018] A system comprising a component device, in particular a tank valve or a tank end plug, and such a component group, wherein the component device has a component body with a bore for receiving the component group and a clamping contact part counterpart for electrically contacting the clamping contact part of the lead frame assembly of the component group.

[0019] Advantages of the invention

[0020] The present invention is based on the finding that, in a hydrogen tank valve, a temperature sensor is connected to an electrical connection device. A clamp connection is used, among other things. However, such clamp connections cannot tolerate large relative movements over time and wear with increasing number of cycles and magnitude of movement. The present invention is therefore based on the idea of ​​taking this finding into account and providing an improved electrical connection for the temperature sensor, which counteracts wear of the clamp connection while simultaneously enabling reliable assembly or installation in the tank valve.

[0021] The present invention is based on the observation that, in a lead frame assembly for connecting the temperature sensor to an electrical connection device of the tank valve, the clamping contact part of the lead frame assembly for connecting to a clamping contact part counterpart of the electrical connection device is to be thermally decoupled in such a way that there is as little relative movement of the clamping contact part with respect to the clamping contact part counterpart of the electrical connection device as possible. For this purpose, the lead frame assembly has a section that can be deformed in the axial direction or in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, a guide sleeve is provided which is fastened to the lead frame, wherein the guide sleeve is provided between the clamping contact part and the sections that can be deformed in the longitudinal direction, and forms a fixed bearing in the assembled state.This allows the clamping contact part to be easily connected to the clamping contact part counterpart, as the guide sleeve is fixed and cannot move unintentionally.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening section of the guide sleeve has an external thread to which a locking element, in particular a nut, can be fastened in order to screw the guide sleeve with its fastening section to the component body. In this way, the guide sleeve can be very easily fixed to the component body, preventing it from accidentally slipping back into the bore.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the fastening section of the guide sleeve is designed such that a clamping or locking washer or locking ring can be fastened to it as a securing element for fastening the guide sleeve to the component body. The fastening section can preferably have at least one additional groove on its outer wall, in particular a radially circumferential groove, for fastening the securing element, in particular the clamping or locking washer or locking ring, for clamping the guide sleeve to the component body. A locking washer or locking ring can engage in the radially circumferential groove as a securing element after it has been pushed on and is secured against stripping off.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening section of the guide sleeve has an additional shoulder as a stop, for resting against a corresponding shoulder or stop in the bore of the component body in the final or installed position of the guide sleeve. This allows the guide sleeve to be very easily positioned in its final or installed position in the bore of the component body.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two lead frames, with their longitudinally deformable sections, are housed together in an insert that can withstand compression in the longitudinal direction. The rigidity of the two longitudinally deformable sections is adjustable, in particular depending on the clamping force of a clamped connection between the clamping contact part and a clamping contact part counterpart of the tank valve or tank end plug. This minimizes relative movement between the clamping contact part and the clamping contact part counterpart when temperatures change.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the two lead frames, with their longitudinally deformable sections in the insert, are electrically insulated from each other and / or electrically insulated from an electrical ground when installed. The insert is in particular a plastic part, preferably an injection-molded plastic part, and can thus be very easily provided for electrically insulating the two lead frames from each other.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the longitudinally deformable section of the first or second leadframe is a meander section with a meander geometry consisting of multiple deflections or a spiral spring section with a spiral spring geometry. The rigidity can be adjusted, in particular, depending on the number of deflections or spirals, the width of the respective deflection or spiral, and / or the leadframe thickness. The two leadframes with their meander sections can preferably be accommodated next to one another in the insert, wherein the deflections of the two meander sections are accommodated, in particular, axially or mirror-symmetrically next to one another in the insert, in particular in a recess, preferably a longitudinal groove. The advantage here is the use of identical parts. Otherwise, two different parts can also be used in principle.The meander sections are separated from each other by at least one projection running in the longitudinal direction of the insert. This prevents unwanted electrical contact between the two lead frames.

[0028] According to a further embodiment of the invention, a further sleeve is provided between the first ends of the two lead frames and their longitudinally deformable sections, which electrically insulates the two lead frames from each other. The further sleeve and / or the guide sleeve is / are a plastic sleeve, in particular an injection-molded plastic sleeve. The further sleeve preferably has a fastening section and a stop. The same preferably also applies to the guide sleeve.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the lead frames has at least one projection in the transverse direction, at least in the region of the guide sleeve, in order to prevent a relative movement between the guide sleeve and the lead frames in the longitudinal direction. At least one of the lead frames has at least one projection in the transverse direction, at least in the region of the further sleeve, in order to prevent a relative movement between the further sleeve and the lead frames in the longitudinal direction. The lead frames are made of an electrically conductive material, in particular an electrically conductive sheet metal, and are in particular etched, punched, lasered and / or cut out as a two-dimensional lead frame, in particular by means of water jet cutting.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the invention, the further sleeve of the lead frame assembly is received with its fastening section in the component sleeve and rests with its stop on the outside of the component sleeve.

[0031] This allows for precise positioning and simplified assembly.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the clamping contact part of the leadframe assembly is thermally decoupled to substantially prevent relative movement between the clamping contact part and the clamping contact part counterpart.

[0033] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the component sleeve, in particular the temperature sensor sleeve, rests with its stop against the bore of the component body in its final or installed position to provide a fixed bearing, in particular a first fixed bearing. The guide sleeve with its fastening section is fastened to the component body in such a way that the guide sleeve, in its assembled state in its final or installed position, protrudes sufficiently from the bore to electrically connect the clamping contact part to the clamping contact part counterpart of the connection device. In its assembled state in its final or installed position in the component body, the guide sleeve provides a fixed bearing, here a second fixed bearing.

[0034] The guide sleeve with the locking element and the barb or bone of the lead frame form the fixed bearing. The fork clamp contact remains the floating bearing.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bore of the component body has a step or stop against which the fastening portion of the guide sleeve rests with its shoulder when the guide sleeve is in its final or installed position in the bore of the component body. This allows the guide sleeve to be precisely positioned and simplifies assembly.

[0036] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the rigidity of the two longitudinally deformable sections of the leadframe assembly can be adjusted such that a displacement force acting on the clamping contact part due to temperature changes is less than or equal to the clamping force of the clamped connection between the clamping contact part and the clamping contact part counterpart. This ensures the clamped connection and prevents unintentional loosening of the clamped connection.

[0037] The above embodiments and developments can be combined with each other as desired, where appropriate. Further embodiments, developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention not explicitly mentioned above or described below with respect to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, those skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic forms of the invention.

[0038] Short description of the drawings

[0039] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawings.

[0040] Figure 1: a section of an embodiment according to the invention of a

[0041] Ladder frame assembly in a partial sectional view, which is connected to a temperature sensor and installed in a tank valve of a hydrogen-powered vehicle;

[0042] Figure 2: the tank valve according to Figure 1 , where only one ladder frame of the

[0043] ladder frame assembly is shown and the insert has been omitted;

[0044] Figure 3: a partially sectioned perspective view of the component group as installed in the tank valve in Figures 1 and 2;

[0045] Figure 4 shows the component group according to Figure 3 without insert;

[0046] Figure 5 shows the component group according to Figures 1 to 4 in a partially sectioned top view, with only one lead frame shown and the insert missing; Figure 6 shows the lead frame assembly according to Figure 1, with the floating bearing indicated schematically;

[0047] Figure 7 is a sectional view AA through the lead frame assembly according to Figure 6;

[0048] Figure 8 is a sectional view through the first sleeve of the leadframe assembly according to Figure 6;

[0049] Figure 9 a straight ladder frame without deflections;

[0050] Figure 10 shows an embodiment of a lead frame with a meander geometry, as can be used in the lead frame assembly according to Figure 1; and

[0051] Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of a lead frame with a meander geometry, as can be used in the lead frame assembly according to Figure 1;

[0052] Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of a further embodiment of the lead frame assembly and the component group according to the invention installed in a component device;

[0053] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the detail of the embodiment according to Figure 12, wherein the tank valve body is not shown;

[0054] Figure 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment of the further embodiment of the lead frame assembly and the component group according to the invention installed in the component device; and

[0055] Figure 15 is a sectional view AA of the fastening of the component group in the component device according to Figure 14. Embodiments of the invention

[0056] Figure 1 shows a section of an embodiment of a lead frame assembly 1 according to the invention in a partial sectional view, which is connected to an electrical component 2, here temperature sensor 3, and is installed together with the latter as a component group 4 in a component device 5, here tank valve 6, of a hydrogen-powered vehicle. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the temperature sensor 3 has, for example, a thermistor chip that is encased in glass, for example, and is then thermally coupled to the sleeve, hereinafter component sleeve 19, by means of a suitable adhesive. However, the invention is not limited to this thermal sensor 3. Any other suitable thermal sensor 3 can be provided and suitably connected to the component sleeve 19.

[0057] Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the tank valve 6 with the installed temperature sensor 3 and the lead frame assembly 1. For reasons of clarity, only one lead frame 7 of the lead frame assembly 1 is shown. An insert for receiving a portion of the lead frame assembly 1 has also been omitted for reasons of clarity.

[0058] The explanations for the installation of the component group 4 in a component device 5, here the tank valve 6, as explained with reference to Figures 1 to 11, also apply accordingly to installation in a tank end plug or tank end plug of the vehicle tank of the hydrogen-powered vehicle and are therefore not repeated.

[0059] The lead frame assembly 1 is connected to the temperature sensor 3 and installed together with the temperature sensor into the tank valve 6 of a hydrogen pressure vessel of a hydrogen-powered vehicle. To connect the temperature sensor 3 by means of the lead frame assembly 1 to an electrical connection device of the component device 5, here the tank valve 6, the lead frame assembly 1 has a clamping contact part 8, e.g., a contact blade, a contact fork, or a contact pin. The clamping contact part 8 is connected, e.g., plugged together, to a corresponding clamping contact part counterpart, e.g., a clamping contact or an insulation displacement contact, of an electrical connection device of the component device 5, here the tank valve 6, to provide a clamping connection.

[0060] In this way, the temperature sensor 3 is electrically connected to the electrical connection device of the tank valve 6 via the clamp connection. The connection device of the tank valve 6 can in turn be connected, for example, to a vehicle wiring harness, etc.

[0061] The use of different materials in component devices 5 and assemblies, etc., results in different changes in length as a result of temperature effects and different thermal expansion coefficients.

[0062] In order to ensure a reliable electrical connection between the leadframe assembly 1 and the electrical connection device of the component device 5, here the tank valve 6, through the clamp connection and to prevent the clamp connection from becoming loose due to relative movements, in particular due to temperature effects, the leadframe assembly 1 is designed such that the clamp contact part 8 is decoupled from the thermal expansion of other components, e.g., for the connection to the tank valve 6. By deliberately decoupling the clamp contact part 8 of the leadframe assembly 1 from thermal expansion, the relative movement can be reduced and the robustness of the leadframe assembly 1 and its clamp contact part 8 can be increased. This applies to all embodiments of the invention.

[0063] The leadframe assembly 1 according to the invention has a first and a second leadframe 7, 9, each with a first or inner end 10 and a second or outer end 11. The respective leadframe 7, 9 is connected to an electrical component 2, in this case a sensor, in particular a temperature sensor 3, via the first or inner end 10. The second end or outer end 11 of the first and second leadframes 7, 9 in turn provide the clamping contact part 8, e.g., the contact blade section or the contact blade, respectively. The clamping contact part 8 of the leadframe assembly is connected, e.g., plugged together, to the corresponding clamping contact part counterpart of the electrical connection device of the tank valve 6 to provide the clamping connection. An example of such a connection is shown in further exemplary embodiments according to the invention in the following Figures 12, 13, and 15.

[0064] The first or second leadframe 7, 9 has a first or inner section 12 with the first or inner end 10, a second or outer section 13 with the second or outer end 11, and an intermediate, central section 14 deformable in the axial direction or longitudinal direction, e.g., a meander section 15 with a meander geometry or a coil spring section with a coil spring geometry. The invention is explained with reference to Figures 1-11, and subsequently with reference to Figures 12-15, using the example of a meander geometry, wherein a coil spring geometry is also possible, and accordingly, a coil spring section can be provided instead of the meander section 15. The coil spring section requires more installation space than the meander section 15.

[0065] The meander section 15 is formed with a meander geometry consisting of a plurality of deflections 16, as shown in Figure 2 and subsequent Figures 3-7.

[0066] The rigidity, in particular axial rigidity or longitudinal rigidity, of the meander section 15 of the respective lead frame 7, 9 can be adjusted, for example, using the number of deflections 16 and the width of the respective deflection 16 and the resulting lever arm length, as well as the lead frame thickness, etc. Figures 10 and 11 below show two exemplary embodiments of meander sections 15 of lead frames 7, which have different widths. For comparison, Figure 9 below shows a straight lead frame or web 17 without deflections.

[0067] Each deflection element 16 with its lever arm therefore has a certain stiffness. The stiffnesses, in particular axial stiffnesses or stiffnesses in the longitudinal direction, of the deflections 16 of the meander section 15 are connected in series. This allows the force or displacement force exerted by the meander section 15 with its deflections 16 on the clamping contact part 8 to be specifically adjusted. In particular, the respective meander section 15 with its stiffness, in particular axial stiffness or stiffness in the longitudinal direction, can be adjusted in such a way that when the leadframe assembly 1 with its two leadframes 7, 9 and their meander sections 15 expands or contracts in the axial or longitudinal direction due to temperature changes, the resulting maximum force ormaximum displacement force is preferably less than or equal to a clamping force with which the clamping contact part 8 of the lead frame assembly 1 is held or clamped in the clamping contact counterpart of the electrical connection device therein. The rigidity of the lead frames 7, 9 or conductor tracks is not sufficient to absorb the plug-in force for connecting the clamping contact part 8 with the clamping contact part counterpart, which is not what it is intended to do. The plastic elements, ie the first and second sleeves 20, 27 and the insert part 18, which move to a block when the contact is plugged in, serve for this purpose. This means that only the rigidity of the plastic elements and between the clamping plug and the plastic element are used.

[0068] Because the set resulting maximum displacement force is preferably less than or substantially equal to the clamping force, it is possible to prevent the clamping contact part 8 and the clamping contact part counterpart from moving relative to one another. In particular, this ensures that the clamping contact part counterpart, e.g., a clamping part or an insulation displacement terminal, can hold the clamping contact part 8, in particular a knife clamp, and the clamping connection is not loosened or released.

[0069] By preventing or appropriately reducing the relative movement between the clamping contact part 8 and the clamping contact part counterpart, the occurrence of wear can be counteracted and the robustness of the clamping connection can be increased.

[0070] The deflections of the first and second lead frames 7, 9 are identical in the illustrated embodiments, as is particularly evident from Figure 2 and the subsequent Figures 4, 5, 6, 10, and 11. The same applies to the subsequent embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 12-15. The deflections 16 of the first and second lead frames 7, 9 are identical in terms of their shape and dimensions. Depending on the function and intended use, however, it is also conceivable for at least two deflections 16 of the respective lead frames 7, 9 to be designed differently and to differ, for example, in terms of their shape and / or dimensions.

[0071] Furthermore, the deflections 16 of the first lead frame 7 and the deflections 16 of the second lead frame 9 are identical in the exemplary embodiments shown, as is shown, for example, in Figure 4 below. The deflections 16 of the first and second lead frames 7, 9 are identical in terms of their shape, e.g. square and / or round shape of the windings, and their dimensions, e.g. thickness, length, width of the deflections. As shown in Figure 4 below, the two lead frames 7, 9 can preferably be arranged next to one another in opposite directions or axially or mirror-symmetrically and accommodated in an insert part 18, in particular an insert sleeve. This has the advantage of using the same parts for the lead frames. However, different parts can also be used for the two lead frames.

[0072] The respective lead frame 7, 9 with its meandering section 15 can, for example, be punched or cut out as a simple, two-dimensional structure from a corresponding, electrically conductive material, in particular an electrically conductive metal sheet, e.g., by means of water jet cutting or laser cutting, etc. In principle, the lead frames or conductor tracks can also be manufactured in multiple parts using various processes and, for example, welded together.

[0073] Furthermore, the two lead frames 7, 9, with their respective meandering sections 15, are accommodated in the aforementioned insert 18, as described further below. The insert 18, in particular the insertion sleeve, is made of an electrically insulating material, e.g., plastic or electrically insulating plastic.

[0074] The leadframe assembly 1 is received in a component sleeve 19 of an electrical component 2, here the temperature sensor 3, as shown in Figure 1. For this purpose, the leadframe assembly 1 is pushed into the component sleeve 19 with its first or inner section 12 to contact the temperature sensor 3 in the component sleeve 19 with the first or inner end 10. To ensure that the leadframe assembly 1 cannot be pushed too deeply into the component sleeve 19 and to fasten and guide the leadframe assembly 1 in the component sleeve 19, the leadframe assembly 1 has a first sleeve 20, in particular a first plastic sleeve, with a fastening section 21 and a stop 22. The leadframe assembly 1 is overmolded with the first plastic sleeve 20, for example.To prevent the first sleeve 20 from accidentally shifting longitudinally on the leadframe assembly 1, at least one of the two leadframes 7, 9 has at least one lateral projection or a transverse projection 23, for example in the form of a barb or catch or bone, which prevents unwanted relative movement between the first sleeve 20 and the leadframe 7, 9 in the longitudinal direction. The sleeve 20 can be realized, for example, by overmolding the leadframes 7, 9. Likewise, the sleeve can also be applied to and secured on the two leadframes 7, 9, in particular by prior heating and subsequent shrinking. This formation of the sleeve by overmolding or heating and shrinking applies to all other plastic sleeves described herein and is not limited to the sleeve 20.

[0075] The leadframe assembly 1 is inserted with its first sleeve 20 or guide element into the component sleeve 19 up to an installation or end position. In the installation or end position, the first sleeve 20 rests with its stop 22 on the outside of the component sleeve 19 and the temperature sensor 3 is electrically contacted in the component sleeve 19 by the leadframe assembly 1, and in particular its first or inner end 10. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 1, the fastening section 21, with which the first sleeve 20 is inserted into the component sleeve 19, can additionally have fastening ribs or fastening lips 24 on its outer wall. This has the advantage that the fastening section 21 can be inserted into the component sleeve 19 more easily and manufacturing tolerances can be compensated. On the outside, the component sleeve 19 can also be provided with an additional sealing device 25.A sealing and O-ring, as an example of the sealing device 25, seals the component sleeve 29 below the O-ring position (25), which is located in the tank, from the HTV body. It essentially isolates the tank pressure from the environment. Everything in Fig. 3 above the O-ring position (25) and within the component sleeve 19 or sensor sleeve 19 is then pressureless. In the exemplary embodiments according to the invention in the following Figs. 12-15, only the area of ​​the second end 11 is shown. The designs and configurations of the leadframe assembly 1, the connection to the component sleeve 19, the component device 5 and the temperature sensor 3, etc., the provision and configuration of the first sleeve 20, the insert 18, etc., apply not only to the embodiment according to Figs. 1-11 but also correspondingly to the embodiment according to Figs. 12-15. Reference is therefore made to the description in Figs. 1 -11.

[0076] Depending on the length of the first or inner section 12, with which the leadframe assembly 1 is inserted into the component sleeve 19, the first or inner section 12 can optionally be additionally provided, in particular overmolded, with additional plastic sleeves 26 at at least one or, as shown in Figure 1, at several points, for additional stabilization and positioning of the leadframe assembly 1 in the component sleeve 19 and for reliable contact with the temperature sensor 3, as well as for electrically insulating the two leadframes 7, 9 from one another. The component sleeve 19 of the temperature sensor 3 is made, for example, of stainless steel or another suitable material, depending on its function and intended use.

[0077] In this context, the two lead frames 7, 9 with their respective meander sections 15 are also received in the insert 18 to enable the lead frame assembly 1 to be inserted and secured in the component sleeve 19. This insert 18, e.g. made of plastic, enables the lead frame assembly 1 to be subjected to compressive stress. The insert 18 can thus be inserted as a rigid insertion sleeve together with the two lead frames 7, 9 and their meander sections 15 into the component sleeve 19 for assembly. In particular, this prevents the meander sections 15 from being unintentionally compressed longitudinally in such a way that they bend or become damaged.

[0078] Furthermore, a second sleeve 27, in particular a second plastic sleeve, is provided on the second or outer section 13, for example by overmolding. The second sleeve 27 is provided on the second section 13 in such a way that the second or outer end 11 with the clamping contact part 8, e.g. contact blade, remains free for electrical connection to the corresponding clamping contact part counterpart, e.g. a clamping contact or an insulation displacement contact, of an electrical connection device of the tank valve 6. The second end 11 with the second sleeve 27 is also shown and described in the following embodiment according to the invention in Figs. 12-15. In the embodiments described with reference to the following Figs.12-15, the second sleeve 27 is designed as a guide sleeve with a fastening section, with which the second sleeve 27 is fastened to a component body 29 of the tank valve 6 in such a way that an electrical connection of the clamping contact part 8 to the clamping contact part counterpart of the connection device is made possible.

[0079] In order to prevent the second sleeve 27, in particular the second plastic sleeve, from moving inadvertently in the longitudinal direction on the lead frame assembly 1, at least one of the two lead frames 7, 9 has at least one lateral projection 23 or projection in the transverse direction, for example in the form of a barb or driver or bone, which prevents an unwanted relative movement between the second sleeve 27 or guide sleeve and the two lead frames 7, 9 in the longitudinal direction.

[0080] Furthermore, the second sleeve 27 is designed as a guide sleeve or second guide element such that, in the installed state, it forms a fixed bearing in a bore 28 of a component body 29 of the component device 5, e.g., a tank valve 6, as shown in the following Figures 12, 13, 14, and 15. The second sleeve 27 has a fastening section 44 for fastening the sleeve 27 to the component body 29 such that, in the assembled state, in its final or installed position, the second sleeve 27 protrudes sufficiently far from the bore 28 of the component body 29 for an electrical connection of the clamping contact part 8 to a clamping contact part counterpart of a connection device. Because the second sleeve 27 or guide sleeve can be fastened to the component body 29 by means of its fastening section 44, in particular by means of a securing element described below, the second sleeve 27 forms the fixed bearing in the assembled state.In the following figures 12-15, the component device 5 is, for example, a tank valve 6 and the component body 29 is a tank valve body 30 with the bore 28 for receiving the component group 4. However, the explanations also apply accordingly to a tank end plug, as well as its tank end plug body and its bore for receiving the component group and are therefore not repeated.

[0081] As shown in Figure 1, the component group 4, which essentially consists of the component sleeve 19, the temperature sensor 3, and the conductor track assembly 1 electrically contacted with the temperature sensor 3, is fastened in the component device 5, here the tank valve 6, of the vehicle and connected there to an electrical connection device. An example of the electrical connection device is shown in the following Figures 12-15. More precisely, the component group 4 is inserted into a bore 28 of a component body 29, here the tank valve body 30 of the tank valve 6, of the component device 5 and fastened. The tank valve body 30 can, for example, be an aluminum tank valve body. Instead of being fastened in the tank valve 6 and its tank valve body 30, the component group 4 can also be fastened, as previously explained, for example in a tank end plug or tank end plug of the vehicle tank. More precisely, component group 4 can be installed in a bore of the tank end plug body, e.g.Tank end plug aluminum body.

[0082] In the following Figures 12 and 13, the fastening section 44 of the second sleeve 27 has, for example, an external thread 43, with which the second sleeve 27 can be screwed to the tank valve body 30 by means of a nut as a securing element 38, and / or an additional recess, in particular a groove 46, for fastening a clamping or locking washer 40 as a securing element 38, as shown in the following Figures 14 and 15. In this context, reference is made to the description of the following Figures 12-15.

[0083] In order for the component group 4 to fit into the tank valve body 30 and the clamp connection to close, the described compressive insert 18 is required, which is, however, relieved under operating conditions and no longer has any force-exerting components. The insert 18, e.g. in the form of a simple plastic injection-molded part, makes it possible to hold the two lead frames 7, 9 with their meander sections 15 in position relative to one another in order to prevent a short circuit. The insert 18 can be subjected to compressive but not tensile load during installation. In this way, the component group 4 can be pushed into the bore 28 of the tank valve body 30. The first and second sleeves 20, 27 each form a first and second guide element or guide sleeve. For reasons of clarity, the insert 18 is not shown in the following Figs. 12-15.

[0084] Furthermore, the insert 18 encloses the two lead frames 7, 9 in such a way that it electrically insulates them from the electrical ground of the tank valve body 30. The insert 18 protects the two lead frames 7, 9 accommodated therein and electrically insulates them from each other.

[0085] For this purpose, the insert part 18 is designed as an elongated, particularly rigid insertion sleeve with a longitudinally extending recess 31, particularly a groove-shaped depression, for inserting the meandering sections 15 of the two lead frames 7, 9. The insert part 18 is made of an electrically insulating material, for example, plastic. In one exemplary embodiment, the insert part 18 is made, for example, as an injection-molded part from a plastic. In the plastic elements described herein, the plastic is an electrically insulating plastic.

[0086] The two meander sections 15 of the first and second lead frames 7, 9 are received in the insert part 18 such that they can expand and contract to a predetermined extent in the axial direction and longitudinal direction of the lead frame assembly 1 and the insert part 18, respectively, while the two lead frames 7, 9 are and remain electrically insulated from one another. However, the expansion and contraction do not exceed the clamping force of the clamping connection between the clamping contact part 8 and the clamping contact part counterpart. An example of the clamping connection between the clamping contact part 8 and the clamping contact part counterpart is shown in Figures 12-15 below. As described further below, the force must initially be smaller than the fixed bearings can withstand.

[0087] In the illustrations of the installation of component group 4 into the tank valve body 30 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the component sleeve 19 of the electrical component 2, here the temperature sensor 3, has a component stop 32. With the component stop 32, the component group 4 with its component sleeve 19 rests against the tank valve body 30 as a component device 5 in a final or installed position after it has been inserted into the corresponding bore 28 of the tank valve body 30. The circumference of the component stop 32, in turn, preferably serves as a guide for the assembly in order to ensure the necessary accuracy for an O-ring and support ring combination, if necessary. The same applies to the embodiment in Figures 12-15.

[0088] This stop area, in which the component sleeve 19 of the temperature sensor 3 rests against the tank valve body 30 in the final or installed position, forms a first fixed bearing. The temperature sensor sleeve or component sleeve 19 can therefore not move further in the direction of the bore 28. Furthermore, the first sleeve 20, with which the lead frame assembly is inserted and secured into the component sleeve 19, here the temperature sensor sleeve, also forms a first fixed bearing.

[0089] The guide element, here the sleeve 20, is virtually firmly connected to the lateral projection 23, for example in the form of a barb, driver, or bone, and holds the conductor tracks 7, 9. The guide element, here the sleeve 20, is pressed into the temperature sensor sleeve or component sleeve 19 and thus held. Since the sleeve stop is spatially very close to the body, this region or area is the first fixed bearing.

[0090] Across the free length, a temperature change due to the different materials affects the relative end or installation position of the clamping contact part 8. In the exemplary embodiment shown, for example, in Figs. 1 and 2, the clamping contact part 8 forms a form of floating bearing in the end or installation position. The clamping contact part 8 can be connected or is connected to the clamping contact part counterpart and forms a clamp connection. With a length of, for example, 96 mm, a difference of approximately 43 pm results with a constant temperature distribution.

[0091] In the following Figures 12 to 15, the clamping contact part 8 also forms a loose bearing with the clamping contact part counterpart 41. The clamping contact part 8 is, for example, a fork clamp, which essentially forms the loose bearing with friction in the sense of the holding force. In other words, the holding force of the fork clamp is provided by the frictional force of the fork clamp. In Figs. 12-15, the second sleeve 27 or guide sleeve also forms a fixed bearing, since the sleeve 27 is fastened by means of its fastening section 44 to the component body 29 by means of a securing element 38, e.g. a nut. By means of this second fixed bearing, the absolute length between the loose bearing, the fork clamp contacts, and the fixed bearing in the area of ​​the sleeve 27 is shortened, so that the relative displacement due to the temperature is reduced accordingly and the contact is thus relieved.

[0092] As previously explained, each deflection 16 of the meander section 15 of a lead frame 7, 9, with its lever arm, has a certain stiffness, in particular axial stiffness or stiffness in the longitudinal direction. Since the stiffnesses, in particular axial stiffness or stiffness in the longitudinal direction, of the deflections 16 of the meander section 15 are connected in series, the force or displacement force exerted by the respective meander section 15 with its deflections 16 on the clamping contact part 8 can be specifically adjusted. In particular, the respective meander section 15 with its deflections 16 can be adjusted in such a way that when the lead frame assembly 1 with its two lead frames 7, 9 and their meander sections 15 expands or contracts axially or in the longitudinal direction due to temperature changes, the resulting maximum force orThe maximum displacement force in the axial or longitudinal direction is preferably less than or equal to the clamping force with which the clamping contact part 8 of the leadframe assembly 1 is held or clamped in the clamping contact counterpart of the electrical connection device. Essentially, the force must be less than the two fixed bearings can absorb. If this force is exceeded, one of the fixed bearings could potentially be destroyed.

[0093] In other words, the rigidity can be varied by changing the number of deflections 16, their width and thus the lever arm length, and / or the sheet thickness. Each deflection 16 with its lever arm thus has a predetermined rigidity, in particular axial rigidity or longitudinal rigidity, and these rigidities of the deflections 16 are connected in series. Thus, the force acting on the clamping contact part 8 can be reduced to values ​​less than or equal to the displacement force or clamping displacement force, so that the clamping connection or the clamping contact part counterpart is able to hold the clamping contact part 8, e.g., the contact blade, and prevent any relative movement.

[0094] Because the set resulting maximum displacement force is preferably less than or substantially equal to the clamping force, it is possible to prevent the clamping contact part 8 and the clamping contact part counterpart, which together form a loose bearing in the exemplary embodiments in Figs. 1-15, from moving relative to one another. This is a so-called loose bearing with frictional force - displacement force and not a friction-free loose bearing. In particular, the effect is that the clamping contact part counterpart, e.g. a clamping part or an insulation displacement connector, can hold the clamping contact part 8, e.g. contact blade, contact fork, contact pin, etc., and the clamping connection is not loosened or released. To reduce the relative movement in the clamping contact part 8, the sleeve is relevant when shortening the distance between the loose bearing and the fixed bearing. The meander structure is there to relieve the load on the loose bearings so as not to overload them over their service life.

[0095] The distance must be chosen so small that the resulting free displacement, without friction, is so small that it no longer has a negative influence in the clamped state and, in the best case, is no longer moved at all by the clamping.

[0096] The required displacement force in clamp connections, e.g., fork clamp connections, is in the range of a few Newtons, e.g., between 1 N and 10 N depending on the design, and is thus lower than the corresponding force due to temperature changes, as shown in Figure 9 below. To reduce the displacement force to a suitable level, the respective lead frame 7, 9 must be reduced in its axial or longitudinal stiffness so that the resulting deformation is absorbed by temperature changes within the two bearing points. This can be achieved using the described meander sections 15 of the lead frames 7, 9 or, alternatively, spiral spring sections.

[0097] The following Figures 10 and 11 show a variation in the width of the deflections 16 of a meandering section 15 of a lead frame 7, as can be used in the lead frame assembly 1 according to the invention, and how the generated force behaves in the process. The number of deflections 16 and the sheet thickness can be adapted in order to achieve a sufficiently low level of displacement force, so that the clamping contact part 8, e.g. a fork or contact fork, ensures that its clamping contact part counterpart of the electrical connection device of the tank valve 6 is itself able to hold and fix the clamping contact part 8 of the lead frame assembly 1 without any relative movement occurring. However, this effect means that without additional axial support between the fixed bearing and loose bearing position in Figures 1 and 2 or.between the first and second fixed bearings, as in the following Figures 12-15, the clamping contact part 8 would not be able to be inserted into the clamping contact part counterpart or connected to it during installation, since the rigidity of the lead frames 7, 9 with their meander sections 15 is too low and would be compressed.

[0098] For this reason, the insert part 18 or the insertion sleeve, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 and the following Figures 3 and 4, is pushed between the two storage positions over the two lead frames 7, 9 and their meandering sections 15. The insert part 18 or the insertion sleeve has three functions. The first function is to absorb the assembly force when inserting the clamping contact part 8 into the clamping contact part counterpart. The second function is to protect the two lead frames 7, 9 from short circuits. The third function is to insulate the lead frames 7, 9 from electrical ground towards the tank valve body 30. When a mating connector and its clamping contact part counterpart make contact with the clamping contact part 8, the clamping contact part 8 is pushed slightly downwards or, in Fig. 1, to the left or in the direction of the insert part 18. The second sleeve 27 or plastic sleeve is also moved to the left or right via the driver 23.pushed in the direction of the insert part 18 until the second sleeve 27 rests against the insert part 18. The second sleeve 27 and the insert part 18 are then pushed further in the direction of the first sleeve 20 and its driver 23. The contacts are now closed and the actual joining process of the clamping connection takes place in that the clamping contact part counterpart 41 in Fig. 12, 13, 15, e.g. fork terminal, of the mating connector is pushed in the direction of the second end 11 and connected to the clamping contact part 8. The assembly is now compressed and when the assembly heats up, the insert part 18 pushes the second sleeve 27 or plastic sleeve back in the other direction, i.e. to the right in Fig. 1. This continues until the maximum temperature is reached. The maximum temperature is particularly the highest temperature reached at the end position.As soon as the temperature is again below the maximum occurring temperature, the contacts between the first sleeve 20 with its driver 23, the insert part 18 and the second sleeve 27 with its driver 23 are opened and the insert sleeve 18 is free again, i.e. there is a gap 35 on both sides of the insert sleeve 18 in Fig. 1. The gap 35 is also indicated in the embodiment in the following Fig. 12-15. As described above, the insert part 18 or the insertion sleeve only absorbs the force which occurs when the sensor assembly is pushed through the body. The so-called "free" end is then fixed by means of a fixing element and forms the second fixed bearing and thus reduces the effective length from the first fixed bearing to the loose bearing to the second fixed bearing to the loose bearing.

[0099] In one embodiment of the invention, the insert part 18 or the insertion sleeve can additionally be secured against rotation on one or both of the plastic guide elements on the fixed bearing or loose bearing in Figures 1 and 2, as well as correspondingly in the embodiment in the following Figures 12-15. For this purpose, the insertion sleeve 18 can be provided with a dihedral. The dihedral serves as a guide to prevent the insert part 18 from rotating excessively relative to the first and second sleeves 20, 27. For this purpose, the longitudinal end of the insert part 18 can be designed to be plugged together with the first and / or second sleeves 20, 27 in the longitudinal direction, in particular loosely and not in the sense of a press fit, such that the insert part 18 cannot rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the first or second sleeve 20 or 27 in the plugged-together state, or can only rotate within a predetermined tolerance range.The gaps 35 between the respective end of the insert 18 and the first or second sleeve 20, 27, as previously shown, for example, in Fig. 1, remain in the assembled state.

[0100] For example, the respective first or second sleeve 20, 27 can be

[0101] Longitudinal end have two additional projections (not shown), with which the longitudinal end of the respective first or second sleeve 20, 27 is pushed onto a correspondingly designed longitudinal end of the insert part 18 or the insert sleeve, so that the insert part 18 cannot rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the respective first or second sleeve 20, 27 or can only rotate to a predetermined extent. A reversed arrangement of the projections on the insert part is also possible. The explanations apply accordingly to the embodiment according to the following Figures 12-15.

[0102] For assembly or installation, component group 4 with its insert 18 is essentially only subjected to compressive load, allowing insertion of component group 4 into bore 28 of component body 29, here the tank valve body 30, and insertion of the clamping contact part 8 into the corresponding clamping contact part counterpart. As soon as the temperature changes in this state or in the installed state, the electrically non-conductive plastic material of component group 4, e.g., the first sleeve 20, the second sleeve 27, the insert 18, etc., will generally thermally expand more than the two lead frames 7, 9, the component sleeve 19 of the temperature sensor 3, and the tank valve body 30.

[0103] During cooling, this in turn leads to a relief of pressure at the two bearing points, ie the fixed bearing 33 and the loose bearing 34, and a distance or gap is created between these and the insert 18. The clamping contact part counterpart of the tank valve 6 holds the clamping contact part 8 of the lead frame assembly 1 firmly in its position.

[0104] If the insert 18 or the insertion sleeve is exposed in Figures 12-15, only the meandering forces or the forces of the meandering structures act between the fixed bearings during heating and cooling. In particular, in the following example in Figures 12-15, only the force resulting from the reduced distance to the second fixed bearing can act on the fork clamp.

[0105] When heated, the insert part 18 in Figures 1 and 2 would therefore expand more and allow the clamping contact part 8 to penetrate more deeply into the clamping contact part counterpart of the tank valve 6. This relative movement can, however, be accepted because it only occurs once and its displacement is based on the maximum temperature reached. After this, the clamping force between the clamping contact part 8 and the clamping contact part counterpart is again sufficiently high and the clamping contact part is sufficiently secured against slipping back out of the clamping contact part counterpart. Since the clamping force between the clamping contact part 8 and the clamping contact part counterpart is less than or equal to the holding force of the clamping contact part, further temperature changes would then always take place within it and the clamping contact part would not be subjected to any further stress.

[0106] Figures 3 and 4 each show a partially sectioned perspective view of the component group 4 as it is installed in the tank valve 6 in Figures 1 and 2 and can also be used in the embodiment according to the following Figures 12-15. In the embodiments in Figures 12-15, the second sleeve 27 or guide sleeve is provided with an additional fastening section 44. In Figure 4, the insert part is not shown for reasons of clarity. In Figure 5, the component group 4 according to Figures 1 to 4 is also shown in a partially sectioned plan view, wherein only a lead frame 7 is shown and the insert part is also not shown for reasons of clarity.

[0107] As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5 and can also be provided accordingly for the embodiment according to Figures 12-15, the component group 4 has the component sleeve 19, here the temperature sensor sleeve, in which the electrical component 2, here the temperature sensor 3, is received. Furthermore, the component group 4 has the lead frame assembly 1, which is electrically contacted with the temperature sensor 3 in the component sleeve 19. The lead frame assembly 1 has the first and second lead frames 7, 9, which are arranged next to one another and each have a meander section 15 that is received in the insert part 18. The meander sections 15 of the two lead frames 7, 9 are in opposite directions or axially orprovided arranged mirror-symmetrically next to one another, as best shown in Figure 4, wherein they are separated from one another by the projection 36 of the insert part 18 running between them, so that they cannot accidentally touch one another. The first and second sleeves 20, 27 are each injection-molded from plastic onto the two lead frames 7, 9 and electrically insulate the two lead frames 7, 9 from one another, as shown by way of example for the first sleeve 20 in Figure 8 below and the second sleeve in Figures 12-15 below. The second sleeve 27 or guide sleeve is provided in the exemplary embodiment in Figures 12-15 with an additional fastening section 44 for fastening the second sleeve 27 to the component body 29 with at least one securing element 38, e.g. a nut.

[0108] The first sleeve 20 rests on the outside of the component sleeve 19 with its stop 22. As previously described, at least one of the lead frames 7, 9 can have at least one lateral projection 23 that prevents relative movement between the first sleeve 20 and the two lead frames 7, 9. Accordingly, at least one of the lead frames 7, 9 can also have at least one lateral projection 23 that prevents relative movement between the second sleeve 27 and the two lead frames 7, 9.

[0109] Figure 6 shows the leadframe assembly 1 of component group 4 from Figures 1 to 5 in a partially sectioned view, with only one leadframe being shown. Figure 7 shows a sectional view AA through the meandering section 15 of the leadframe assembly 1 according to Figure 6, with both leadframes 7, 9 arranged next to one another in opposite directions or axially or mirror-symmetrically. Figure 8 shows a sectional view of the first sleeve 20 of the conductor track assembly 1, with which the conductor track assembly 1 is inserted into the component sleeve 19 and secured therein.

[0110] In Figures 5 and 6, the first sleeve 20 of the lead frame assembly 1 is shown as it is received in the component sleeve 19 or temperature sensor sleeve and abuts or rests on the component sleeve 19 on the outside with its stop 22.

[0111] As shown in Figure 7, the insert part 18 electrically insulates the two lead frames 7, 9 from one another to prevent a short circuit. For this purpose, the recess of the insert part 18, in particular in the form of a longitudinal groove, in which the lead frames 7, 9 are received, has, for example, at least one projection 36 in the longitudinal direction, which extends at least over a partial length or the entire length of the insert part or its recess, and wherein a lead frame 7 is inserted on one side of the projection 36 or into the recess of the insert part 18. The projection 36 thus electrically separates the two lead frames 7, 9 arranged next to one another in the recess of the insert part 18. The lead frames 7, 9 can expand and contract with their meandering sections 15 in the longitudinal or axial direction when the temperature changes.However, the projection 36 between the two lead frames 7, 9 prevents unwanted contact, so that no short circuit can occur.

[0112] The first and second sleeves 20, 27 insulate the two adjacent lead frames 7, 9 from each other, as shown in the sectional view of the first sleeve 20 in Figure 8 and in the following Figures 12-15.

[0113] Figures 9, 10, and 11 each show a lead frame 7, 9. The lead frame in Figure 9 is a straight web 17 with a web width of, for example, 0.8 mm. Like the lead frames 7, 9 in Figures 10 and 11, it has a lateral projection 23 or a projection in the transverse direction on each side of its two end sections. Such lateral projections 23 can, as previously described, be provided for additionally fixing molded-on plastic sleeves 20, 26, 27 in order to prevent relative movement in the longitudinal direction between sleeve 20, 26, 27 and lead frame 7, 9.

[0114] In Figures 10 and 11, the respective leadframe 7 is again provided with a meander section 15 with a meander geometry, such as can be used in the leadframe assembly 1 according to the invention. The meander sections 15 of the two leadframes 7 in Figures 10 and 11 differ in the width of the deflections 16, or meander width.

[0115] The meander width in Figure 10 is 2.0mm and the meander width in Figure 11 is 3.8mm, which is almost twice as large as that in Figure 10.

[0116] As previously described with reference to Figures 1-11, the temperature sensor 3, consisting of a stainless steel sleeve and a plastic conductor track construction, is inserted and fastened into a bore 28 of a component body 29, e.g., an aluminum body. At the end 11 of the conductor track or lead frame 7, 9 is the interface to a clamp contact part - counterpart of a clamp connection and / or insulation displacement connection. Clamp connections do not tolerate large relative movements over time and wear with an increasing number of cycles and the amount of movement. The use of different materials results in different changes in length, which are caused by temperature effects and different thermal expansion coefficients. If the clamping force is exceeded, a relative movement occurs which can lead to wear and unacceptably increase the contact resistance.Through the targeted decoupling of the clamping contact part 8 according to the invention, as previously described with reference to Figures 1-15, the relative movement can be reduced or substantially prevented, thus increasing the robustness of the contact. According to the invention, decoupling means that the forces that arise due to temperature changes and exert attraction or pressure on the clamping connection, in particular the clamping contact part 8, are smaller than the clamping or holding force that the clamping connection can withstand or provides in terms of holding force.

[0117] This continues to apply, as already mentioned, in the sense of shortening the length and thus reducing the relative displacement, but also between the two fixed bearings, which are decoupled by the meander structure of the conductor tracks by reducing the force.

[0118] Figures 12-15 show two exemplary embodiments of a further embodiment of the leadframe assembly 1 according to the invention, which is also applicable to the embodiment according to Figures 1-11, and in particular individual features thereof. Figures 12 and 13 show, in a longitudinal sectional view and a perspective view, respectively, a first exemplary embodiment of the second or outer section of the leadframe assembly 1, which is installed in the component body 29 of the component device 5. In Figure 13, however, the component body has been omitted for reasons of clarity. In the examples shown in Figures 12-15, the component device 5 is a tank valve 6, and the component body 29 is accordingly a tank valve body 30 with the bore 28, as already previously in the exemplary embodiments of Figures 1-11.

[0119] In Figures 14 and 15 the second embodiment is shown in a

[0120] Shown once in a longitudinal sectional view and once in a cross-sectional view AA. Figures 14 and 15 also show the second or outer section of the lead frames 7, 9 of the lead frame assembly 1 with the second or outer end 11 installed in the component body 29 of the component device 5, as previously in Figures 12 and 13. The two exemplary embodiments differ only in their securing element 38, which is described in more detail below. In Figures 12 and 13, a nut 39, e.g., a union nut, is used as the securing element 38, and in Figures 14 and 15, a clamping or locking washer 40 is used.

[0121] The embodiment of the leadframe assembly 1 according to the invention, as described with reference to Figures 1-11, and the further embodiment of the leadframe assembly 1 according to the invention, as described below with reference to Figures 12-15, differ essentially only in that, when installed in the component device 5, the leadframe assembly 1 according to Figures 1-11 forms a combination of a fixed bearing and a loose bearing, whereas the further embodiment of the invention according to Figures 12-15 forms a combination of two fixed bearings. In the further embodiment of the invention according to Figures 12-15, the second sleeve 27 therefore has a fastening section 44 for fastening the second sleeve 27 to the component body 29 by means of at least one securing element 38, e.g. a nut 39 or a clamping or locking washer 40, for providing the second fixed bearing.Therefore, the statements for the embodiment according to Figures 1-11 apply essentially correspondingly to the embodiment according to Figures 12-15, so that reference is made to the statements for Figures 1-11 and are therefore not repeated.

[0122] In other words, in the embodiment according to Figures 12-15, the previous loose bearing at the second end 11 of the embodiment according to Figures 1-11 becomes a fixed bearing by fastening the second sleeve 27 to the component body 29 by means of the fastening section 44 and at least one securing element 38. As a result, the effective length of the lead frames 7, 9 can be significantly reduced compared to the free length of the lead frames 7, 9 described with reference to the embodiment in Figures 1-11, for example to approximately 20%. This also reduces the expansion difference affecting the clamping contact part 8 by this ratio. The shorter the path length between the second fixed bearing near the clamping contact part, provided by the second sleeve 27, and the clamping contact part 8 itself, the better.

[0123] In the case of very small residual deformations, a part can be absorbed by elastic material behavior and there are no or only very small, even permanently tolerable, relative movements in the clamping connection between the clamping contact part 8 of the lead frame assembly 1 and the clamping contact part counterpart 41 of the electrical connection device 48 of the tank valve 6. Instead of the tank valve 6, the lead frame assembly 1 and the component group 4 according to Figures 12-15 can also be installed, for example, in a tank end plug as a component device 5, as has already been described in detail with reference to Figures 1-11.

[0124] As previously described, the necessary displacement force in clamp connections, e.g. fork clamp connections, is in the range of a few Newtons, e.g. between 1 N and 10 N, depending on the design.

[0125] If the two lead frames 7, 9 were each designed as only a straight web or were continuously straight, instead of, for example, the meander section or spiral spring section, high forces would be generated on both fixed bearings in the event of temperature changes, as in the case of the comparison example above in Figure 9.

[0126] In order to reduce the force on both bearing points to a tolerable or suitable level, the respective lead frame 7, 9 must be reduced in its rigidity, in particular axial rigidity or rigidity in the longitudinal direction, so that the resulting deformation via temperature changes within the two bearing points, here the first and second fixed bearing in the embodiments in Figures 12-15, is absorbed without causing a significant force or displacement force in the axial direction or longitudinal direction.

[0127] This can be achieved, as previously described in detail with reference to Figures 1-11, by forming the first or second lead frame 7, 9 with a section that is deformable in the axial direction or longitudinal direction, e.g., a meander section with a meander geometry or a spiral spring section with a spiral spring geometry. The first or second lead frame 7, 9 has the first or inner section with the first or inner end, the second or outer section with the second or outer end, and the intermediate, central section that is deformable in the axial direction or longitudinal direction, e.g., a meander section with a meander geometry or a spiral spring section with a spiral spring geometry.

[0128] The stiffness can be adjusted, for example, in such a deformable section, e.g. by the number of deflections or spirals, the width of the deflections or spirals and / or the sheet thickness or spiral thickness, etc., in order to achieve a sufficiently low level of reaction forces so that the fixed bearings and the clamping contact part 8, e.g. a contact fork, of the clamping connection do not experience any relative movement.

[0129] However, this effect means that, without axial support between the two fixed bearing positions, the clamping contact part 8 would not be able to be inserted, since the deformable sections, e.g. meander sections, of the two lead frames 7, 9 have insufficient rigidity, as already explained with reference to Figures 1-11.

[0130] For this reason, during the assembly of the component group 4 with the lead frame assembly 1 and the temperature sensor in the component device 5, e.g. in the bore 28 of the tank valve body 30, the second interference fit, which is provided by the second sleeve 27 of the lead frame assembly 1, must be fixed in its position on the tank valve body 30 via the additional securing element 38, as shown in the embodiments in Figures 12-15.

[0131] As a securing element 38, for example, a nut 39, e.g. a union nut, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, can be screwed onto a corresponding external thread 43 of the fastening section 44 of the second sleeve 27, thus suitably positioning and fixing the second sleeve 27 and the clamping contact part 8 in the tank valve body 30 and its bore 28. Instead of a nut 39 as a securing element 38, for example, at least one clamping or locking washer 40, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, can also be provided and fastened to the fastening section 44, or any other suitable securing element or combination of securing elements.

[0132] Due to the rigidity of the lead frames 7, 9 of the lead frame assembly 1, the second sleeve 27 near the clamping contact part is pulled out of the bore 28 of the component body 29, here the tank valve body 30, e.g. partially pulled out, as shown in Figures 12-15, and fastened to the component body 29 by fastening the securing element 38 to the fastening section 44 of the sleeve 27. This fixes the second sleeve 27 so that it cannot accidentally slip back into the bore 28. The second sleeve 27 with the clamping contact part 8 is pulled out of the bore 28 and fastened to the component body 29 to such an extent that the contact part 8 can be connected to the corresponding contact part counterpart 41 of the connecting device 48. Both lead frames 7 and 9 are connected as the clamping contact part 8 of the connecting device 48. The connection of the second conductor tracks 9 with the terminal contact part counterpart is due to the section in Fig.15 cannot be seen, since in the embodiment shown identical parts are used for the lead frames 7 and 9 and therefore the end of the lead frame 9 for contacting is outside the sectional view in Fig. 15.

[0133] In the embodiments shown in Figures 12, 13, and 15, the second sleeve 27 can optionally have an additional shoulder or stop 47, which rests against a corresponding stop 42 of the bore 28 when the second sleeve 27 is mounted in the component body 29 and is in its final or installed position. In this case, the bore 28 is correspondingly stepped and accordingly provides the stop 42. The fixed bearing can thus be formed between the stop 42 and the securing element in combination with the barb or bone of the conductor track.

[0134] While this position of the second sleeve 27 is maintained as a guide sleeve or guide element, the securing element 38 can be fastened. For example, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the nut 39, e.g., a union nut, can be screwed onto the external thread 43 of the fastening portion 44 of the second sleeve 27, or the clamping or locking washer 40, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, can be fastened to the fastening portion 44 of the second sleeve 27.

[0135] For fastening the clamping or locking washer 40, an additional recess, e.g. groove 46, such as a radially circumferential groove or annular recess in Figures 14 and 15, can be provided on the outside of the second sleeve 27 and / or on a corresponding inner wall 45 of the tank valve body 30 in order to additionally secure the positions relative to one another against slipping or twisting and to carry out the assembly with simpler tools.

[0136] The respective groove 46 can be provided on the inner wall 45 of the tank valve body 30. The groove 46, here, for example, a radially circumferential groove or annular recess, can also be provided on the outside of the second sleeve 27, as indicated by a dashed line in Figures 14 and 15, for attaching the clamping or locking washer or retaining ring 40. If the second sleeve 27 has an external thread, the clamping or locking washer or retaining ring 40 can also be attached thereto, preferably so that it cannot rotate loose.

[0137] For example, the clamping or locking washer 40 can first be snapped into the groove 46 on the tank valve body 30, in particular the inner wall 45 of a bore in the tank valve body 30, and in a second assembly step, the second sleeve 27 can be pulled into a corresponding position through the clamping or locking washer 40. If present, the clamping and locking washer 40 can be secured in the groove 46 of the second sleeve 27.

[0138] In a further embodiment of the invention, the insert 18, e.g., insert sleeve, previously described with reference to Figures 1-11 can also be provided in the embodiment of the invention according to Figures 12-15. The insert sleeve 18 is not shown or visible in Figures 12-15.

[0139] Between the two bearing positions or the first and second fixed bearings, the insert 18 is pushed over the two superimposed lead frames 7, 9 and their axially or longitudinally deformable sections, e.g., meander sections 15. The insert 18 has the features and three functions already described with reference to Figures 1-11. The first function is that of an assembly aid when passing the component group 4 and in particular its lead frame assembly 1 through the associated bore 28 in the component body 29, e.g., tank valve body 30, as well as an assembly aid when providing the second sleeve 27 near the clamping contact part on the rear side of the tank valve body 30 in order to pull on the second sleeve 27 so that the assembly of the clamping disc 40 or the nut 39 functions. The second sleeve 27 is partially pulled out of the rear end of the bore 28 of the tank valve body 30 and then, e.g.,The screw, here nut 39, is screwed onto the external thread 43 of the fastening section 44 of the second sleeve 27 and screwed against the tank valve body 30 and, here, the end of the bore 28. Further withdrawal serves to relieve the load on the insert 18 as a rigid insertion sleeve, so that it does not force the two fixed bearings apart when heated.

[0140] The second and third function of the insert part 18 is to protect the two lead frames 7, 9 of the lead frame assembly 1, as previously in the embodiment according to Figures 1-11, against short circuits and to electrically insulate the two lead frames from one another, and furthermore to electrically insulate the two lead frames 7, 9 from the electrical ground of the tank valve body.

[0141] Furthermore, the insert 18 can be additionally secured against rotation on the two first and second sleeves 20, 27 or plastic guide elements on the fixed and floating bearings, for example, by providing a two-flat, as previously described in the embodiment according to Figures 1-11. As previously described, since both conductor tracks 7, 9 protrude at the end and must be "blindly" contacted with the mating connector in the subsequent process, the position and rotational orientation are well-suited, allowing the plugging process to function properly. The two two-flats help secure the rotational orientation.

[0142] For assembly, component group 4 can now be subjected to pressure, allowing it to be pushed through the bore 28 of the tank valve body 30. As soon as the temperature changes in this state, the plastic insert 18 will generally expand more than the tank valve body 30 and the two lead frames 7, 9. To prevent the two bearing points from being stressed by the insert 18 as the temperature increases, sufficient play must be maintained between the insert 18 and the loose bearing points or, subsequently, the fixed bearing points after the fixing elements have been installed, particularly the fixing of the second sleeve 27. Once the fixing elements are installed, they are fixed bearings.This means that the second sleeve 27 must be pulled out by this expanding amount at least from the rear end of the bore 28 of the tank valve body 30 before the second sleeve 27 is fixed or fastened to the tank valve body 30 by means of at least one securing element 38, e.g. the nut 39 or the clamping or locking washer 40. During cooling, this automatically relieves the load on the two bearing points and a distance is created between them and the insert part 18. The bearing points are the fixed bearing points around the sleeves 20 and 27.

[0143] In the embodiment of the invention according to Figures 12-15, a targeted fixation near the clamping contact part 8 is achieved by fastening the second sleeve 27 to the component body 29, which is also transferable to the embodiment according to Figures 1-11. By means of the targeted fixation near the clamping contact part 8, the thermal expansion component is reduced due to the shorter initial length and thus the relative movement is also to be reduced and the robustness of the contact is to be increased. To ensure that the fixation near the clamping connection does not loosen or come loose over time, the electrical connection between sensor 3 and clamping connection, e.g. plug connection, must have a low rigidity in order to ultimately prevent the fixation from coming loose. The clamping connection and sleeve area are mechanically decoupled from one another.

[0144] In summary, the present invention relates to a component group 4 with a leadframe assembly 1, the clamping contact part 8 of which is thermally decoupled, in particular from the other components of the component group 4 and the component device 5 in the installed state, such that in the event of temperature changes the clamping contact part 8 can be held in the clamping contact part counterpart and no or substantially no relative movement occurs.

Claims

Claims 1. A lead frame assembly (1) for installation in a bore (28) of a component body (29) of a tank valve (6) or a tank end plug of a hydrogen-powered vehicle, comprising: a first lead frame (7) with a longitudinally deformable section (14), the lead frame (7) having a first end (10) and a second end (11); a second lead frame (9) with a longitudinally deformable section (14), the lead frame (9) having a first end (10) and a second end (11);wherein the two lead frames (7, 9) are electrically connectable with their first ends (10) to an electrical component (2), in particular a temperature sensor (3), and form with their second ends (11) a clamping contact part (8) of a clamping connection for electrical connection to a clamping contact part counterpart of a connection device of the component body (29), and a guide sleeve (27) which is fastened to the lead frames (7, 9) and electrically insulates them from one another, wherein the guide sleeve (27) is provided between the clamping contact part (8) and the longitudinally deformable sections (14) of the lead frames (7, 9), in particular as close as possible to the clamping contact part (8), wherein the guide sleeve (27) has a fastening section for fastening the guide sleeve (27) to the component body (29) in such a way that the guide sleeve (27), in the assembled state in its final or installed position, protrudes sufficiently from the bore (28) for a; electrically connecting the clamping contact part (8) to the clamping contact part counterpart (41) of the connecting device.

2. Lead frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fastening section of the guide sleeve (27) has an external thread (43) to which a securing element (38), in particular a nut or a clamping or locking washer or locking ring (40), can be fastened in order to screw the guide sleeve (27) with its fastening section to the component body (29).

3. Leadframe assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening section of the guide sleeve (27) is designed such that a clamping or locking washer (40) can be fastened to it as a securing element (38) for fastening the guide sleeve (27) to the component body (29), wherein the fastening section preferably has at least one additional groove (46) on its outer wall, in particular a radially circumferential groove, for fastening the securing element (38), in particular the clamping or locking washer (40), for clamping the guide sleeve (27) to the component body (29).

4. Lead frame assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fastening section of the guide sleeve (27) has an additional shoulder as a stop for resting on a corresponding shoulder of the bore (38) of the component body (29) in the end or installation position of the guide sleeve (27).

5. Leadframe assembly according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the two leadframes (7, 9) with their longitudinally deformable sections (14) are received together in an insert part (18) which can be loaded with pressure in the longitudinal direction, and wherein preferably the rigidity of the two longitudinally deformable sections (14, 14) is adjustable, in particular dependent on a clamping force of a clamping connection of the clamping contact part (8) with a clamping contact part counterpart of the tank valve (6) or tank end plug.

6. Leadframe assembly according to claim 5, wherein the two leadframes (7, 9) with their longitudinally deformable sections (14) in the insert part (18) are electrically insulated from one another and / or are electrically insulated from an electrical ground in the installed state, wherein the insert part (18) is in particular a plastic part, preferably a plastic injection-molded part.

7. Leadframe assembly according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the longitudinally deformable section (14) of the first or second leadframe (7, 9) is a meander section (15) with a meander geometry comprising a plurality of deflections (16) or a spiral spring section with a spiral spring geometry, wherein the stiffness is particularly dependent on the number of deflections (16) or spirals, the width of the respective deflection (16) orSpiral and / or the lead frame thickness is adjustable, wherein the two lead frames (7, 9) with their meander sections (15) are preferably accommodated next to one another in the insert part (18), wherein the deflections (16) of the two meander sections (15) are accommodated in particular axially or mirror-symmetrically next to one another in the insert part (18), in particular in a recess, preferably a longitudinal groove, and / or wherein the meander sections (15) are separated from one another by at least one projection (36) running in the longitudinal direction of the insert part (18).

8. Leadframe assembly according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein between the first ends (10) of the two leadframes (7, 9) and their longitudinally deformable sections (14) a further sleeve (20) is provided, which electrically insulates the two leadframes (7, 9) from one another, wherein preferably the further sleeve (20) and / or the guide sleeve (27) is a plastic sleeve and in particular a plastic injection-molded sleeve, and / or wherein the further sleeve (20) preferably has a fastening section (21) and a stop (22).

9. Leadframe assembly according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the leadframes (7, 9) has at least one projection (23) in the transverse direction, at least in the region of the guide sleeve (27), in order to prevent a relative movement between the guide sleeve (27) and the leadframes (7, 9) in the longitudinal direction, and / or wherein at least one of the leadframes (7, 9) has at least one projection (23) in the transverse direction, at least in the region of the further sleeve (20), in order to prevent a relative movement between the further sleeve (20) and the leadframes (7, 9) in the longitudinal direction, and / or wherein the leadframes (7, 9) are made of an electrically conductive material, in particular an electrically conductive sheet metal, and are in particular punched out, lasered out and / or cut out as a two-dimensional leadframe (7, 9), in particular by means of waterjet cutting.

10. Component group which has a lead frame assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the component group (4) has a component sleeve (19) and an electrical component (2) received in the component sleeve (19), wherein the lead frame assembly (1) is inserted with the first ends (10) of the two lead frames (7, 9) into the component sleeve (19) and in its installed or end position makes electrical contact with the electrical component (2) therein and wherein the component sleeve (19) has a component stop (32).

11. Component group according to claim 10, wherein the further sleeve (20) of the leadframe assembly (1) is received with its fastening section (21) in the component sleeve (19) and rests with its stop (22) on the outside of the component sleeve (19).

12. System comprising a component device (5), in particular a tank valve (6) or a tank end plug, and a component group (4) according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the component device (5) has a component body (29) with a bore (28) for receiving the component group (4) and a clamping contact part counterpart for electrically contacting the clamping contact part (8) of the lead frame assembly (1) of the component group (8).

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the clamping contact part (8) of the leadframe assembly (1) is thermally decoupled to substantially prevent relative movement between the clamping contact part (8) and the clamping contact part counterpart.

14. System according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the component sleeve (19), in particular temperature sensor sleeve, rests with its stop (32) on the bore (28) of the component body (29) in its end or installed position to provide a fixed bearing (33) and / or wherein the guide sleeve (27) is fastened with its fastening section to the component body (29) such that the guide sleeve (27), in the assembled state in its end or installed position, protrudes sufficiently from the bore (28) for an electrical connection of the clamping contact part (8) to the clamping contact part counterpart (41) of the connection device, and wherein the guide sleeve (27), in the assembled state in its end or installed position, in particular provides a fixed bearing.

15. System according to claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein the bore (38) of the component body (29) has a step or a stop on which the fastening section of the guide sleeve (27) rests with its shoulder when the guide sleeve (27) is in its final or installed position in the bore (38) of the component body (29).

16. System according to claim 12, 13, 14 or 15, wherein the rigidity of the two longitudinally deformable sections (14) of the leadframe assembly (1) is adjustable such that a displacement force acting on the clamping contact part (8) due to temperature changes is less than or equal to the clamping force of the clamping connection of the clamping contact part (8) and the clamping contact part counterpart.

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